Florida renewable enrgy bill passes – good for tax credits, bad for algae

In Florida, a controversial Florida state bill supporting renewable fuels development went into law without Governor Rick Scott’s signature. Scott resisted pressure from conservatives to veto HB 7117 after heavy lobbying from Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam, who said that the state needs the bill to stimulate the development of bio-based industry in the state. The bill also includes  a measure to restrict development of more than two acres for algae fans, without a special new permit from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

Algenol’s plans to expand to 30 acres to produce 100,000 gallons/ year at its facility are directly affected by the new provision. Among other provisions, the bill reinstates tax credits for investments in renewable energy technologies and production. The bill requires the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services to develop a website to inform consumers where in Florida they can purchase ethanol-free  gasoline.